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Can a TIU (with wifi and app) control the station transit stop functionality of proto 1.0 subways and trolleys by MTH? Or do you have to do conventional with them and use something like a z1000 controller and bell button

EDIT: more info/clarification:

I am indeed referring to the variable outputs of a TIU to operate the proto 1.0, but specifically to use the Trolley Announcements TAS mentioned on page 9 - https://mthtrains.com/sites/de...ction/30dl13929i.pdf

subway announcement version for proto 1.0 - https://mthtrains.com/sites/de...tion/30rtr12695i.pdf

"If you are using a separate bell button controller to ring your bell (like the Lionel Railsounds No. 5906 bell activation button) you can activate the feature by entering forward or reverse and pressing and holding the bell button for one second at which time the operator will hear the driver announce the next trolley stop location. "

^ i was wondering if the bell button in the app would allow this to work, or if app has buttons to activate each individual stop names



EDIT 2: does the Bell button in the DCS app activate proto 1.0 subway transit announcements TAS?

Last edited by DCtransit
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2 sides to this:

#1 the Protosound 1 based electronics and firmware inside the loco (Trolley/Subway) are ALWAYS only controlled by conventional varying of voltage on the track and traditional bell and whistle DC offsets within the track power. Again, as an interface limitation- these require "analog" conventional control methods.

#2 The TIU has 2 outputs that are possible to use as variable outputs that can perform conventional control, vary the AC output track voltage, and also apply DC bell and whistle offsets within basic function we know as "conventional control".

So, you would have to ensure you are using the variable channel wired to your track and power source, and have that configured.

The DCS manual then covers what more advanced functions under conventional you can access.

https://mthtrains.com/sites/de...ction/20as14017i.pdf

Specifically chapter 8 starting at page 99

Also, page 114 and 115 cover conventional operation details.

Also, you specifically asked about Wifi and the DCS app (WIU+TIU+smart device with app). https://mthtrains.com/sites/de...ction/20as13831i.pdf

It's basically the same thing as configuration and details with the DCS remote, just there is the "TRACK" tab or screen of the app to control a variable channel in conventional mode with slider, Bell, Whistle/Horn, and Direction buttons.

So page 47

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Thanks for the responses everyone! This is close, but not exactly what im looking for.

I am indeed referring to the variable outputs of a TIU to operate the proto 1.0, but the Trolley Annouincements TAS mentioned on page 9 - https://mthtrains.com/sites/de...ction/30dl13929i.pdf

"If you are using a separate bell button controller to ring your bell (like the Lionel Railsounds No. 5906 bell activation button) you can activate the feature by entering forward or reverse and pressing and holding the bell button for one second at which time the operator will hear the driver announce the next trolley stop location. "

^ i was wondering if the bell button in the app would allow this to work, or if app has buttons to activate each individual stop names

The bell button in the app works.

It's just like it implies- a remote control bell button. In Conventional mode out of a variable channel, you are emulating or replicating the same buttons on a transformer (Bell, Whistle/Horn, and Direction).

Whistle/Horn- puts a positive DC offset for as long as you hold the button.

Bell- puts a negative DC offset for a long as you hold the button.

Direction- cuts power to the track when you press the button.

Last edited by Vernon Barry
@DCtransit posted:

Thanks for the responses everyone! This is close, but not exactly what im looking for.

I am indeed referring to the variable outputs of a TIU to operate the proto 1.0, but the Trolley Annouincements TAS mentioned on page 9 - https://mthtrains.com/sites/de...ction/30dl13929i.pdf

"If you are using a separate bell button controller to ring your bell (like the Lionel Railsounds No. 5906 bell activation button) you can activate the feature by entering forward or reverse and pressing and holding the bell button for one second at which time the operator will hear the driver announce the next trolley stop location. "

^ i was wondering if the bell button in the app would allow this to work, or if app has buttons to activate each individual stop names

Again, no, you are in conventional so NO you do not get advanced individual buttons for each stop name. You don't magically get full blown PS2 or 3 digital control features on a PS1 because of using a TIU.

Yes, you can hold the bell button for 1 second or 3 seconds the same as if it was you pressing a transformer button.

Last edited by Vernon Barry

Another thing I was trying to check on and cannot remember- if you need the upgrade license version of the app to unlock for conventional control?

I was trying to find a chart of what each level provides but honestly not coming up with a good answer. Would be nice if there was a chart somewhere.

https://mthtrains.com/news/595

No, app upgrades still won't unlock individual buttons for specific stop names for a PS1 based loco, but could be needed for more advanced functions of PS2, PS3, and Lionel locos via the app if you go that route of control.

Last edited by Vernon Barry

FWIW, more searching found this about the app upgrade "tiers" https://ogrforum.com/topic/72101420876980612

@MND8814 posted:

M.T.H. DCS Premium App Released To App Stores

April 19, 2017 – M.T.H. Electric Trains has released the DCS Premium version of its smartphone and tablet app for controlling a DCS layout wirelessly to the Apple App Store and Google Play store. The apps should be appearing in the stores today, April 18th. Current users of the FREE or STANDARD versions of the app will be able to obtain the Premier version via an in-app purchase. Users may have to manually update the app in order for the Premium in-app purchase link to appear.

First announced in 2014, the app is now available in three versions:

  • a FREE version with control of 3 locomotives and limited features
  • a $4.99 STANDARD version with full locomotive control
  • The all-new $24.99 PREMIUM version, which provides the user with full DCS control

The apps communicate with a separately sold DCS WiFi Interface Unit (WIU). Any Android tablet or smartphone and Apple iPhone or iPad will bring the DCS Digital Command System to life in a way never thought possible when first paired with a DCS remote control. Any of these smart devices can run the new apps.

The DCS Premium App allows operators to control an entire layout in command or conventional modes without using a DCS handheld remote. A TIU (Track Interface Unit) along with the separately sold DCS WIU is required for app control over the layout. Simply plug the module into the TIU, search for its WiFi signal on the phone or tablet, and begin running a DCS layout in command mode in no time.

The PREMIUM App also requires an update to the software powering the DCS Track Interface Unit (TIU). The new DCS software (Version 6.00) is available on the M.T.H. Website via a FREE DOWNLOAD. In order to load the DCS Version 6.0 software into the TIU and Remote, users must use the FREE DCS Windows Loader program to install the software. Older versions of the DCS Loader Program will not work on the new DCS Version 6.0 software.

Source:http://mthelectrictrains.activehosted.com/index.php?action=social&chash=51de85ddd068f0bc787691d356176df9.2588

This came through email as a newsletter today

EDITED POST WITH LATEST DETAILS

Edited Source link as well to reflect latest newsletter



Honestly, even I'm confused as I have the premium version so it's hard for me to compare what the tiers have or do not have.

Again, no, you are in conventional so NO you do not get advanced individual buttons for each stop name. You don't magically get full blown PS2 or 3 digital control features on a PS1 because of using a TIU.

Yes, you can hold the bell button for 1 second or 3 seconds the same as if it was you pressing a transformer button.

Hopefully the bolded portion above means it will activate TAS!

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